5 Ways to Save on an Office Chair

Is your old office chair on its last legs? If the wheels are falling off, you’re probably overdue for a change. But in today’s economy, something as simple as a new office chair can feel like a seriously complicated purchase.

But don’t worry - you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a great office chair. Before you drive out to the nearest office supply superchain, here are some alternatives to consider:

1) Craigslist. The scariest place for personal ads is a great place to buy lightly used home and professional office equipment. If you don’t mind an office chair that’s been around the cubicle farm a few times, you can get a decent office chair for as much as 300% off the retail price. Some sellers may not even know what they’re offering - which means that with a good eye, you could get lucky and score a great deal on a fabulous name-brand chair.

2) Office Closings. In today’s economy, business is tough. Many owners are on the lookout for cheaper rents with better exposure, and some are closing up shop. A ‘Going Out of Business’ sale often gives you the opportunity to bid on anything and everything - including the office furniture. Be prepared to walk away from negotiating, and you may be able to cut a great deal on an entirely new office.

3) Fiends and Clients. Asking for handouts probably isn’t the way to go, but if you visit clients or friends at their places of business, consider making a bid to the owner for an unused extra chair. Keep your offer low-pressure, stay polite and patient, and be willing to back off – the worst they can do is say no.

4) Warehouse Club Stores. No longer just the place for five-gallon jars of pickles, Warehouse Clubs like Costco, BJ’s, and Sam’s Club offer discounted and wholesale prices on a selection of office chairs. If you already have a membership, definitely check it out. If you don’t, the money you save on the right chair may be worth the cost of joining.

5) Internet Retail Sites. When you know exactly what you want, consider venturing onto an online retail site. Many offer substantial discounts on the same models offered in the big box office supply stores with the added bonus of an increased selection. They’re a great place to comparison shop. So after you’ve found a chair you like and tested it out in a retail store, consider ordering it online. The savings can be substantial, and you won’t have to worry about lugging it to your home or office.

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